it is now official, the baltimore city fire chief is getting a good sized pay raise in the contract extension. this is much to the dismay of the city firefighter union and at least to the elected officials. let's go live to city hall tonight for more on that story. >> the chief will get an 18% increase in pay, but let's put this in perspective. it will happen over the duration of his five-year contract. you have to give the fire chief credit for this fire deaths since 1938. he's established operation care to cut down on residents using ambulances as taxis and moving the fire department to a new computer dispatch system. >> our record of fire safety and the work he is doing is being recognized. >> the chief will receive a 18% raise in pay over the next five years. his current salary is more than $161,000 a year. the contract extension generated vigorous debate and protests at the city board vestments meeting. >> this increase is not negotiated with local 960. >> [inaudible] >> the firefighters' union zero did on the pay increase. comes as three fire companies face closure because of lack of fu